Impact Behavior of Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Impact-induced damage and its effect on the performance of polymer matrix composites is a major concern in their applications in many critical structural components. The impact may occur not only during their service operation, but also during maintenance and manufacturing. The damages can be in the forms of matrix cracking, fiber breakage and delamination; however, they may be barely visible and not easily detectable. They also tend to reduce the post-impact residual strength of the composite. This chapter reviews the most common test method for studying the impact behavior of polymer matrix composites, the key material and structural parameters that influence the damage development in low velocity impacts and their damage tolerance characteristics. Damage models to predict the maximum impact force and damage development are also reviewed.